WORKING FOR YOU

The role of your MP
If you have a problem, who do you contact - your councillor, your MP or MSP? With so many options it can seem confusing. Here, Douglas Alexander explains his role as MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South and how you can contact him for help or advice.

I was given the trust of the people of Paisley and Renfrewshire South when they first voted for me in November 97, re-elected me in June 2001 and in May 2005. I feel very strongly that I should repay that trust by representing the interests of the constituency as a whole, but also by helping individual constituents.

The job necessarily involves time at Westminster as well as here in Paisley. I usually leave Paisley for London on Monday morning, and return on the sleeper overnight on the Thursday.

Throughout the week, I make sure I keep in touch with local interests, concerns and views by arranging as many visits and meetings with local groups and organisations as possible. I meet regularly with the following types of groups:

· voluntary organisations, local and national
· statutory agencies like the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service
· local businesses and the organisations which represent them
· special interest groups
· community based organisations like elderly forums and youth groups
· the people who deliver and use services – education at every stage, social services, voluntary services

In terms of helping and keeping in touch with individual constituents, I have a constituency office in Paisley, and a full time constituency assistant and researcher. People write to me at the office, or phone to raise a variety of issues.

I also hold regular constituency advice surgeries throughout the constituency. I want to make it as easy as possible for people to have access to their MP.

MPs deal with a variety of matters - benefits, social security, pensions, employment legislation, National Insurance, taxation, foreign affairs, defence, energy, broadcasting and the Post Office. Some former responsibilities have now been devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

People come to me with a wide range of issues and problems. Sometimes I cannot help a constituent because it is an area over which I have no control as an MP. In those cases, I would refer them to their local MSP or Councillor.

I publish a regular Parliamentary Report, which any constituent can have sent to their home, giving details of my activities in the constituency and Parliament, and also news of current government policy and activity. If you would like to receive a copy, you can email me at dalexandermp@talk21.com or contact my constituency office.

Council matters
MPs are often asked to intervene in council matters. MPs have no authority to direct local authorities to take a particular course of action - they can merely make representations on your behalf. Your elected Councillor is responsible for Council policy. If you have a council related query, you should contact your local councillor, in the first instance. If you're not sure who your councillor is call Renfrewshire Council on 0141 842 5000 or go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

Devolved issues
Since the creation of the Scottish Parliament in July 1999, the role of UK Members of Parliament has changed. Many policy areas have been divided between the two Parliaments. Those that remain at Westminster are known as reserved powers, and those that are now the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament are known as devolved powers.

Powers that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament include:

Health / Education / Training policy & lifelong learning / Local Government / Social work / Housing / Planning / Economic development / Financial assistance to industry / Some aspects of transport e.g. the Scottish road network; bus policy; ports and harbours / Most aspects of the criminal and civil law / Criminal justice and prosecution system / Courts / Police and Fire Services / Environment / Natural and built heritage / Tourism / Agriculture / Food standards / Forestry / Fisheries / Sport / The Arts / Statistics / Public registers and records.

On these matters, you should contact your MSP Hugh Henry. You can write to him at Anchor House, Blackhall Lane, Paisley, PA1 1TA, or call 0141 848 7361.

Reserved powers
As a member of the UK Parliament at Westminster, I have responsibility for the following matters:

The Constitution / Foreign Affairs / Defence / The Civil Service / Financial and Economic Matters / National Security / Immigration and Nationality / Misuse of Drugs / Trade and Industry (e.g. competition and consumer protection) / Electricity, coal, oil and gas, nuclear energy / Many aspects of Transport (e.g. railways, air travel, DVLA) / Social Security / Employment / Abortion, Genetics, Surrogacy and Medicines / Broadcasting / Equal Opportunities.

If you live in the Paisley and Renfrewshire South constituency and would like to raise any of these matters with me, you can reach me at the Constituency Office, 2014 Mile End Mill, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Paisley PA1 1JS, or call 0141 561 0333.

If you require any information about my work in the constituency and Parliament, please write and ask for a copy of my Parliamentary Report. You can also write to the constituency office if you require information relating to any areas of government policy.